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B&E suspects strangle woman

Police are searching for three individuals who broke into a Newton apartment Tuesday and strangled and choked a 73-year-old woman that was inside the home.

Authorities say Austin Chislom, 17, of Newton, was one of three suspects to enter a Newton woman’s apartment at about 7:10 p.m. Tuesday. The suspects allegedly strangled and choked the 73-year-old before stealing multiple firearms from the residence.

Newton Police Chief Don Brown said a juvenile female suspect first entered the apartment at 730 S. Cline Ave. and let Chislom and another black male suspect inside. Brown said one of the suspects grabbed the victim around the neck from behind, dragging her to the floor and strangling her to unconsciousness.

The woman called police when she regained consciousness, but the suspects left the scene by the time officers arrived, Brown said. He said that the strangled woman knew at least one of the suspects, adding that Chislom lived in the same apartment complex as the victim.
The juvenile female and black male suspect also lived in the area, Brown said.

Brown said two guns are missing from the victim’s residence, but did not have information about the weapons as of press time Wednesday.

Newton Police Department issued warrants for Chislom for felony breaking and entering and felony assault by strangulation. Brown said NPD is seeking more warrants.

Anyone with information about this incident or the whereabouts of Chislom, contact the Newton Police Department at (828) 465-7430.